I've just been watching the web broadcast of the Irish language channel annual traditional music awards programme broadcast from Wexford Opera House on 19 April 2009. You can see it online at the TG4 website by scrolling through the music archives (= Ceol-Cartlann). It is well worth looking up, though I'm not sure how long the online broadcast will remain available, nor whether it can be easily accessed worldwide.

Sarah O'Neill was presented by Roisin de Faoite with the richly deserved 'Singer of the Year' award, and at the age of 90 sang a fine version of The Maid With the Bonny Brown Hair. As an extra treat Len Graham was on hand to song another song from the Hanna/O'Neill family traditions - Old Arboe.
Con Fada O'Drisceoil won the Composer of the Year award, and the programme features him singing the brilliant Milltown Cockroach.
It was good to see Reg Hall's role in documenting the story of Irish music in London being honoured with the Musician's award, and it was lovely to listen to Young Musician of the Year Conor McEvoy and his family.
I also really enjoyed hearing the moothie-players John and Pip Murphy of 'Trip to Cullenstown' fame.
There are also earlier TG4 Gradam Ceoil programmes still available to view online for 2006, 2007, and 2008.

Matthew Edwards